Government officials from Romania were on a mission to share Teesside's expertise.

A nine-strong delegation from the Eastern European country arrived in Middlesbrough yesterday on a fact-finding visit. The Romanians were led by Ms Razvan Cirica, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity.

They were finding out how social services are organised in the UK prior to the development and major reorganisation of their own country's social services systems.

Middlesbrough Council's commissioner for social care, Councillor Eddie Dryden, said: "Middlesbrough social services have a national reputation for innovation and excellence in childcare and we welcome this opportunity to share our experience and expertise."